By Lauren Jade Hill
Whether it’s the climate or celebrations that people favor these settings for, each one draws visitors in throughout April. From the vibrant souks of Marrakech, to the festivities of Semana Santa in Peru, these are the best places to travel for Easter.
Marrakech, Morocco
At a time when the almond blossom is in full bloom, and the temperature sits comfortably at around 18 degrees, the days surrounding Easter are considered to be among the most ideal here. During the cooler days, before the heat of the summer months arrives, Easter is just right for getting to know the city’s atmospheric medina and colourful souks.
Where to Stay: Mandarin Oriental Marrakech sits within its own olive groves and landscaped gardens, with a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Yet, it is still just a short distance from Marrakech’s medina. Here, the luxurious villas and suites combine contemporary décor with elegant Moroccan style.
Vatican City
Related
Located within Rome, this unique city-state attracts visitors year-round for its richness in historic architecture, which in turn is home to an abundance of Roman statues and Renaissance art. As the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City is of particular significance at Easter when thousands of people gather to witness the ceremony held at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Where to Stay: JK Place Roma celebrates the heritage of the city it’s in, while also showcasing contemporary style and design. JK Café, too, brings Italian tradition together with innovation through its market-fresh menu.
Sabah, Borneo
Content from our partners
Easter is considered one of the best times to travel to Borneo. At just the right time, between the two monsoon seasons, April offers the ideal conditions for venturing into the rainforest, or taking a boat out to one of nearby islands where the dive sites are thought to be among the world’s most extraordinarily for their abundant marine-life.
Where to Stay: Situated on an island off the coast of mainland Borneo, Bunga Raya Island Resort sits set amid rainforest and on a crescent of white sand, with world-class diving within easy reach.
San Francisco, United States
Famed for its annual Union Street Easter Parade, San Francisco draws the crowds in to celebrate this spring occasion. Now in its 26th year, the event encompasses a parade and street fair, with an abundance of activities, food vendors and entertainment, while local eateries set up bistro tables in the outdoors too.
Where to Stay: Located within the desirable neighborhood of Nob Hill, with a cable-car stop just moments away, The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is the ideal place to be based for exploration of the city. Behind the 1909 façade, the hotel encompasses lavishly decorated interiors, with first-rate dining and a luxury spa.
Cusco, Peru
Owing to the nation’s Catholic beliefs and pre-Columbian roots, Easter – or Semana Santa – is celebrated here with fervor. Cusco in particular is at the heart of these celebrations, with a week-long itinerary of processions and gatherings that bring both locals and visitors out into the city’s atmospheric streets where the holiday’s signature dishes are being cooked up.
Where to Stay: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba lies outside Cusco, between the ancient city and Machu Picchu, within the Sacred Valley. Combining contemporary architecture and interiors of the hotel with a secluded location in the mountains, this luxurious retreat is the ideal contrast to the energy of Cusco at this time.
Zermatt, Switzerland
As we near the end of the ski season, it’s the highest resorts in Europe that continue to draw skiers in. One of the most rewarding at this time is Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. While the resort town has plenty to offer year-round within its scenic mountain setting, Easter is the time to make the most of its high –altitude slopes, before having to wait for the winter to return.
Where to Stay: Exhibiting a contemporary take on the traditional mountain lodge, The Omnia is characterized by its luxurious modern interiors and wooden-cladded facade. But it’s the views of the surrounding mountains this hotel commands that really take your breath away.
